Angelique

by Carl Leckey

  I am sure you can spare the time it will only be for a day or two.”

  I detect a muffled conversation taking place at his end of the line. It ceases when Marcel informs me Gunter wants a word with me. I agree. He greets me. “Hello my friend, how are you?”

  I reply. “I thought you were in America for a couple of weeks?” Gunter replies. “My trip was not urgent I decided to cancel when we acquired the airfield from the ministry. I believe it is very important we develop this side of the business as a matter of urgency.

  Our competitors will leave us behind. Did you find a field suitable for me to land my aeroplane Adam?” “Yes there is field suitable here on the estate.”

  “Where is the estate exactly?”

  “It is a small village with the name of Saint Margaret’s Bay. It is located just north of Dover. From the beach it is about quarter of a mile inland. Why?”

  “Well that’s a strange coincidence. Monsieur Bleriot made the first flight across the English Channel in nineteen hundred and nine. I understand he landed near there. I have my aeroplane at Suzanne’s depot she has been storing it there for me. If it’s alright with you I will fly Marcel over in the morning and have him back in France by nightfall the next day. After all it is a weekend, and he shouldn’t be working anyway. Can you accommodate us overnight?”

  I am delighted at the prospect and tell him. “Of course we can put you up it’s a pity you can’t bring Estelle also. What time will you arrive and what do we have to do to prepare for your arrival?”

  “In time we will have planes to carry more passengers believe me, for the present I am only able to carry one passenger in the gunners seat.

  Now Adam this is crucial. Make sure the field is without big bumps or holes and there is no stock on the field oh! A windsock will be a great help. We should also agree a signal indicating the field I am to use.”

  “I can assure you the field is smooth it is only kept for pasture there no ploughing taking place.

  I don’t know about a wind sock I have never heard of one to be honest. What’s it for anyway?”

  He explains patiently. “To indicate the direction of the wind it is a great help to the pilot for landing and for takeoff.”

  I reply. “We have a flag flying by the main house will that do?”

  “Excellent now how will you indicate the field?” Thinking of my time in the war when we deceived the enemy planes into bombing a false target I reply. “I know we shall light a bonfire at each end of the field.”

  “Excellent but make sure there is plenty of smoke. Fires are good indicators at night but smoke is better in daylight. It is also a good guide to indicate wind direction. I reckon we shall leave here at first light about 0830 and my arrival time will be, say an hour later.”

  I intercede. “Right Gunter we will expect you for breakfast.”

  He informs me. “That’s great Adam I look forward to that. Also I will need to refuel. Is it possible to have fifty gallons of petrol on hand?”

  I assure him the fuel will be available adding excitedly. “I look forward to seeing you both. What kind of plane will you be flying? Not that it means much to me I haven’t a clue about those infernal machines.”

  He replies with a laugh. “Oh come on Adam? When I get the chance I’ll take you for a flight and convert you. My plane is an ex fighter biplane the model type is an Avro 504.”

  I recall something Marcel said. “Oh! I nearly forgot what about Marcel’s passport?”

  “Do not worry yourself I will take care of that little matter.” He assures me.

  Just then the French operator cuts in and tells us she will have to terminate the call she just gives me time to say. “See you in the morning Gunter.” When I enter the dining room the Ladies are preparing to leave. They inform me of their plans for this afternoon. Emily and Pamela have offered to take Mathew out in his perambulator. Mother is waiting for Luigi to telephone. Denise suggests I show her around the estate and introduce her to the staff. “Before you all go your various ways I have some exciting news for you. I have just spoken to the company architect Marcel and our friend Gunter on the telephone. Tomorrow morning Gunter will be arriving in his aeroplane for a quick visit. He is bringing Marcel with him. They will be landing on the large field on the edge of the estate, what do you think about that then?”

  For a moment silence greets my announcement then I am bombarded with questions from all the Ladies.

  I laugh. “One at a time Ladies, Denise what did you say?”

  Denise asks. “When you say a quick visit how long are they staying?”

  I reply, “They will be here for just an overnight on Saturday.” Denise questions. “Why are they going back so quickly, can’t they at least stay for a couple of nights to meet the family properly?”

  “I am sorry they can’t stay but Marcel has so much work on. He reckons he can’t spare the time, especially if we want our Lake House finished for the New Year.” Denise looks disappointed. Emily asks. “Gunter is the banker we spoke about? I would like some time with him to discuss our future plans and investments. After all he is the family financial advisor as you put it.”

  I reply. “That makes sense Emily see if you can use your powers of persuasion to keep him here longer.” Emily suggests. “Well if they are only here one night let us do them proud. We shall have a grand dinner party.”

  “Good idea Emily I reckon we deserve a bit of a do.” They all laugh at my description of a dinner party. I add. “We should invite Jonah and his Wife I know he wants to meet Gunter.

  I’m looking forward to this I shall have to inform Cecil what we are planning. Now Mother you are very quiet. I am sure you have a question for me before I tell the staff what’s happening tomorrow morning?”

  “Will you be using the telephone again today?” I smile and reply. “No Mother dear I won’t block Luigi’s telephone call don’t worry. Pamela how about you, have you any questions?”

  For the first time since I have known her she is tongue tied. At the urging of Emily she replies hesitantly. “Well I don’t know the gentlemen you spoke about and really believe this is a family matter.”

  I rebuke her in a kindly voice. “Pamela I will not say this again, as far as we are concerned you are now part of this family and you have a say when family matters are discussed.” Pamela blushes Emily hugs her and blows me a wonderful kiss of approval.

  I inform them “If there are no more questions I must make arrangements with the staff if you will excuse me. Oh! I take it we are all in for lunch? Then maybe we will have time to discuss those papers you spent so much time poring over.” I leave the dining room to the sound of female happy excited chatter.

  Cecil is having a cup of tea in the kitchen when I find him.

  Mrs Humphreys is kneading dough on a side table with her back to the door. He leaps to his feet when I enter the room. I gesture for him to be quiet and wave him back to his chair. I then take a seat opposite him at the long staff dining table. Disguising my voice I say. “Oh Cecil have you heard the latest about his Lordship?” Mrs Humphreys spins around wiping her hands on a tea towel. A smile adorns her face as she recognises me. “Tea, my Lord?” She asks.

  Cecil tuts disapprovingly at my unconventional behaviour, after a welcome mug of tea and one of her wonderful buttered scones I disclose why I am visiting their domain.

  “Cecil I wish you to address the entire staff sometime today when will it be convenient?”

  “Is there a problem my Lord?” He inquires with a note of concern.

  “No Cecil in fact it is a nice surprise I am sure the staff will appreciate.” I then go on to explain about the forthcoming visitors and the proposed dinner party.

  After I have finished Cecil informs me. “Hum a grand dinner party we haven’t had one for years. Never fear we will do you proud my Lord. It will be like old times when the General used to entertain won’t it Enid?”

  His Wife agrees and asks me for details of the menu I requir
e and how many will be attending.” “Enid.” I answer. “Make it nine certainties up to now I will let you know in plenty of time if there are any changes. I will leave the choice of menu up to you. I have no experience of this kind of things. Left to me we would have your steak and kidney pies mushy peas and jam rolly poly to follow.” She laughs and says. “Leave it to me my Lord, rolly poly for a dinner party indeed.” Cecil informs me. “One o’clock my Lord all the staff except Joe will be present for their lunch.”

  “Couldn’t we persuade Joe to attend Cecil, after all my friend Marcel is specifically coming over from France to consult him?”

  “I would sooner not rush him my Lord if you don’t mind. We made good progress this morning and it will be a shame to set him back. I will make it my business to see him personally and explain what to expect tomorrow.”

  “I will take your advice as usual Cecil as long as you warn him?”

  “I will my Lord bye the bye he is already planning to install electric lighting in the tunnels?

  I hope you approve my Lord? I sent Toot with the Rolls to an electrical supplier with a list of goods after our visit to the tunnels this morning.” Cecil looks at the wall clock and informs me. “He should be back shortly.”

  “Good for Joe for getting things going so quickly and that is fine using the automobile. I am looking forward to further investigation down there. Oh by the way Cecil that reminds me. Will you make sure we have at least fifty gallons of petrol to refuel the plane by tomorrow? He replies thoughtfully. “I know there is a great deal stored in the coach house for the Rolls already. Nevertheless I will check with Toot if we need more I shall organise it my Lord.”

  “There is one more thing and this is crucial and it applies to you Mrs Humphreys, my friends will undoubtedly be dining with us including breakfast tomorrow morning. We shall all join them in a late breakfast if that is no trouble Enid?” Mrs Humphreys looks pleased I have consulted her and replies “That will be fine my Lord.” I reveal. “One of my guests Mr Cogan is of the Jewish faith and only eats Kosher food. Can you handle that type of diet Enid?”

  “That’s no problem my Lord thanks for warning me just the same. The General had many friends of the same faith staying over here as house guests. We are well used to catering for them aren’t we Cecil?” Cecil nods his agreement. “Thanks Cecil I will leave it in your capable hands and thank you Enid for that excellent scone and cuppa. We shall leave breakfast until our guests arrive it will give them a chance to join us for the meal and meet the family informally.”

  I detect the sound of tyres on the gravel. “I do believe I hear the Rolls arriving. Cecil I’ll explain to Toot what’s happening and organise him to light the fires in the morning.”

  CHAPTER FOURTEEN

  An aeroplane arrives

  Saturday Morning after hot drinks we head for the designated landing field. When we arrive a good half an hour before the plane is due the fires at both ends are burning brightly stoked by Toot, Tom and a couple of gardeners. With a few exceptions all the estate staff and their families are in attendance along with many villagers. I recognise the Landlord from the pub and a number of his regulars plus their families. The atmosphere is similar to a gala or bonfire celebrations. Some have even brought deck chairs and are seated comfortably eating picnics and drinking from thermos flasks as they wait for the show to start.

  Bales of straw encircle the people keeping them well clear of the landing strip the bales are also being utilised as seats. Alfie, one of the trainee gardeners, evidently an enterprising lad is roasting chestnuts on one of the fires and selling them for a penny a bag. The entire village school are sat in neat rows of straw bales waiting for the great event. Cecil has organised a kind of grandstand for the Ladies. Cane chairs are located at a vantage point with rugs also supplied to keep them warm.

  I ask him. “Where have all these people come from Cecil?”

  He replies with a sigh. “I must apologise I couldn’t stop them my Lord. One of the staff happened to mention at the village shop the aeroplane was landing this morning and this happened.” He looks distraught.

  I laugh and reassure him. “Don’t worry, Cecil if I had known they were so interested I would have invited them myself I hope they enjoy the show. Thank you for arranging things I do appreciate what you have done. You must have worked hard since yesterday.”

  My words appear to console him, with a pleased expression on his face he begins to fuss over the comfort of the Ladies. We have barely settled down when the drone of an aero engine is heard over the excited chatter of the crowd. Without a signal the chatter ceases people crane their necks to get a first glimpse of the approaching spectacle.

  The plane appears overhead accompanied by a gasp from the crowd this is quickly followed by a spontaneous cheer. I feel myself caught up in the excitement along with the Ladies we join the crowd of spectators in a three cheers salute. The plane circles the field. As instructed the attendants toss green leaves onto the fires resulting in a goodly pillar of smoke rising up to the heavens. One more circle we can actually see the pilot and his passenger waving as they pass overhead. It zooms to the end of the field and for a moment disappears behind a stand of trees on the neighbours land. A groan of disappointment erupts from the assembled spectators. Within seconds it reappears, cheers greet it yet again. The plane is heading straight towards us. It is dropping lower and lower as it approaches directly over the fire located at the far end of the field. Some of the crowd become uneasy as the spectacle gets closer they begin heading nervously towards the field gate. I realise this is most probable the first encounter many of them have had with an aeroplane. Thinking back it is also my first experience of seeing a plane land close by. My only encounter with them until now has been under different conditions when every approaching plane was viewed with suspicion. This was until we verified its nationality,

  On those occasions they were greeted with either a whoop of joy or a mad scramble to take cover. I have a horrible flash back of the day on a road in France when our ambulances were machine gunned by an enemy plane and our sergeant was killed. I find I have to mentally drag myself back to reality as the plane is about to touch down. Without a noticeable bump it lands perfectly and taxies towards us stopping about a hundred feet away.

  Ignoring Cecil’s pleas to remain behind the straw bales most of the crowd rush to the plane and surround it. The engine is cut, the propeller ceases to rotate and two leather clad helmeted figures descend from the plane. It begins to rain I advise the Ladies to retire to the house.

  Before leaving the field Gunter directs Toot and Tom in the refuelling of the Aeroplane.

  Ignoring the increasingly heavy rain Marcel begins talking to me.

  He enthusiastically describes the flight. I do believe from his attitude Gunter has another conversion to the idea of flying being the transport of the future. I am still sceptical. I wave to Gunter he pushes his way through the questioning crowd and shakes my hand. Marcel is surrounded by estate staff and villagers bombarding him with questions about aeroplanes and flying. He does not understand and cannot possibly answer their queries. Eventually I rescue him. We are making our way towards the house exchanging pleasantries when Gunter informs me “Oh! By the way I have looked into your concern regarding the title. I am afraid you are correct, illegitimate children do not inherit the title. Will that be a problem for you?”

  “Not a problem for me I can assure you. In fact it’s a relief. I have never liked the idea. Oh! Thinking on, there is a problem. Not for me. I assume the same applies to my Mother. Although she is not illegitimate she was adopted by Lord Carstairs?” Gunter smiles and suggests.

  “I suggest we leave that one alone shall we? I understand your Mother has been accepted as Lady Angelique for years by all and sundry. I believe there is an appropriate English saying to cover her situation.”

  “What’s that Gunter?”

  “Don’t rock the boat.” We arrive at the house. Cecil meets us at the d
oor and greets Gunter and Marcel on behalf of the household.

  Gunter requests a room to change. Within ten minutes they reappear their leather flying gear removed, they are both attired in immaculate lounge suits.

  In the dining room I proudly introduce Gunter and Marcel to the family. After breakfast I request the family to remain I wish to make an announcement. Cecil is about to leave when I call him back.

  “This concerns you as much as the family Cecil.”

  He remains. I decide to be firm and make the announcement with no debate. “Right. What I am about to say might not please all of you but I am adamant on this matter.”

  The Ladies stare at me with expectant expressions of their faces. The stuttering I believed I had mastered long ago returns with a vengeance. “I am er, determined er, no there must be no, er, I have decided er, I have had er, advice, er.” Emily coughs impatiently. Denise looks on with a smile. Mother prompts me to continue. “Out with it my Dear, what is the problem?”

  My statement comes with a rush. “From now on I will not be known as Lord. I am not entitled to the, er, er, title. So please don’t use it. Cecil I want you to instruct the staff of my decision. Thank you. That will be all.” Cecil bows and says. “Thank you my Lord.”

  He leaves the room. Emily glares, Mother smiles, Denise claps, Pamela looks amazed.

  Before they have the opportunity to make any comments I invite Gunter and Marcel into the lounge to discuss the plan of action. When we are seated Gunter advises Marcel. “I think this is the right moment to break the news Marcel. Adam will know how to deal with it.”

  “Oh! No, not another problem I hope?” Marcel looks most embarrassed when he discloses. “Adam I don’t want you to think I am interfering in your family affairs. I know how much you and your Wife care about your family.” He pauses as if searching for words. My heart misses a beat, is someone ill? Even worse is someone dead?” Marcel continues. “It’s about Yvette and Paul.” There is a slight pause before his next sentence tumbles out.